Please do my survey, thanks <3Voluntary Euthanasia Survey Week 1 Tuesday - 1st February
I attended the first lesson of the Stage II Research Project this week and was introduced to the new subject. Following the introductions and brief explanations regarding the subject, I made a wikipage in which the teacher will be able to see my journal entries. After that, everyone were given some books and articles based on current and trending issues so that we may select or be inspired by a certain topic for the Research Project. Along with the other students in my class, I was introduced to a function on the Google Search Engine called 'Wonder Wheel'. The Wonder Wheel searches for the information you need, along with branching and other revelant entries to what you've asked Google to find.
Using the Wonder Wheel, I researched about the earth's biosphere, which sparked my interest prior to the start of the year. I came across these results, which I found were very broad and did not sit with what I've briefly studied about the biosphere last year.
Using my knowledge last year I came up with a similar pathway:
ecological footprint -> decreased biosphere -> causes -> increased use, expansion, agricultural development -> affects on carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle -> lessening of the resources on earth.
Thursday - 4th February
During, the Thursday lesson, my class visited the library and browsed through a series of books and articles in hopes of us finding a potential topic for our Research Project. In that lesson, I found two topics that caught my attention. One being, Euthanasia, which I am completely clueless about. The other is about marriage and divorce of which I have a clearer understanding of. So far I have derived a few areas that I would possibly research about on the topics I have mentioned.
(Draft) Euthanasia: Voluntary Euthanasia should be encouraged for people with terminal illnesses and patients in vegetative states.
What is Euthanasia and the types of Euthanasia?
In what ways do the acts of Euthanasia deem acceptable?
What are the ethics, legal issues regarding the act of Euthanasia?
What are the religious views on Euthanasia?
Should Euthanasia be legalised in Australia?
Abortion and Euthanasia: Abortion and Euthanasia should not be encouraged.
What is Abortion and Euthanasia?
How are Abortion and Euthanasia related to each other?
What are the ethics regarding Abortion and Euthanasia?
How should abortion rates and the act of Euthanasia be reduced?
Marriage and Divorce: Marriage can be long and lasting.
What makes for a happy marriage?
How are long lasting marriages achieved?
What are the main causes of an unhappy marriage?
Is divorce the only option of an unsuccessful marriage?
Week 2Monday - 7th FebruaryThis week I finalised my topic and have decided to do Euthanasia as I have come to take an interest in it. Regarding the work this week, I have to read and annotate 5 articles from EBSCOhost.WHY SAFE LEGALISED VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA IS A MYTH.http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=900f1805-8e25-4e2d-803d-cdb77b0a05ca%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=57154373I chose this article because it had really good points about a particular view on the use of voluntary euthanasia. Although the article is biased, it does incorporate some significant findings showing that most Australian citizens are pushing the medical industry to accept assisted death (voluntary euthanasia) and to overturn the Commonwealth Parliament's law regarding euthanasia. Hung pariliament no place to be ham-fisted on euthanasia. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=de707ff0-3779-4f22-bc35-b8c9bd56b192%40sessionmgr4&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=55606158This article was fascinating as it wrote about the previous law regarding euthanasia in the Northern Territory. Although, it focused upon a senator's paper for the Federal Parliament, I particularly liked how it compared the old law to the new Commonwealth Parliament's law on euthanasia. It gave me an insight regarding the previous law since I have not researched about it. Legal euthanasia 'could prolong lives' http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=beecf0ca-0003-4ef7-b31b-aaf4e73664d0%40sessionmgr13&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=P6S350063526010
I found this article very interesting as it brings the views of Aboriginal people. It talks about how the reintroduction of the Northern Territory law regarding euthansia could cause a lot of fear amongst the Aboriginal people due to the language barrier. Another interesting part of this article is about how there is an ironic upside to introducing the old laws; the old laws could prolong lives. The article states that people when given the right to die, reinvigorate their will to live.
Thursday - 10th February Brown continues his fight against euthanasia ban. http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=cdd47533-9938-4d88-8ca2-623c917c18ce%40sessionmgr12&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=P6S262484163610
In this article, it shows the views of several doctors regarding the legalisation of euthanasia. One of the doctors of the South Australian Support for Voluntary Euthanasia expresses his view regarding euthanasia based on his experiences as a doctor treating patients with immense pain and agony. This article made me realise that people do experience pain at different levels and cope with that pain with different levels. Doctors see this in their patients, using their experience, they determine that for some patients it is more beneficial to the patient to seek a merciful death.
Gives us the right to choose: euthanasia support grows http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=6499fbd8-9768-4d12-b37a-ad2cb4fc3d96%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=SYD-5WFW1PKIVCO2W5J6D1J
This article shows that the membership of the voluntary euthanasia advocacy group Exit International has grown by 50%, in the past five years. More people are joining the group in support of legalising euthanasia, memberships increasing from 4000 to 6100 during the period of 2005-2010. It states that advertisements, information handbooks made from the group, regarding euthanasia have been banned in Australia. However, the group states that the ban has led to an increase in members as more people want to have the right to die if they were put in complicated situations. E.g, growing too old, in vegetative states, terminal illnesses, etc.
I finished annotating the 5 articles as seen above and borrowed three books from my school library on request from Ms McInnes. I have started using these books to further gain background information.
Saturday - 12th February
I have made a quick planner for the next upcoming weeks.
- Complete my Research Proposal. [DONE]
- Gather some information:
Visit my local GP and ask a few questions regarding euthanasia.
Speak to some people within the medical/science field about their views on euthanasia.
Speak to my mum's friend in Melbourne, who was a doctor in Vietnam. This allows me to gain views from doctors of a different country.
Speak to people of different age, culture, background and people with language barriers regarding euthanasia.
- Begin the first few stages of my Research Project. (Finalising/revising my guiding questions and hypothesis).
- Begin to answer my guiding questions. Week 3 Monday - 14th February
On the Monday, Ms McInnes taught us how to evaluate our sources using the CRAP method, 5W's and also how to write the research proposal.
CRAP C - Credibility R - Reliability A - Authority P - Purpose
5W's
Who
What
Why
When
How
Tuesday - 15th February/Thursday - 17th February
On Tuesday, I was called up and spoke a tad bit about my topic on Euthanasia. Since my topic was a pretty broad topic, Ms McInnes, suggested that I slightly narrow it down to Voluntary Euthanasia since it is more relevant to Australia. Below is a copy of my research proposal.
PRELIMINARY RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Defining and clarifying my topic Initially, for the Stage II Research Project this semester, I had planned to do a topic on the biosphere since I was very interested in it last year. After doing some research, I found that it was extremely broad and hard to narrow down to a specific area. I then directed my attention towards the current trends in topics based on medicine, science and issues in the society. I researched into these areas, both online and hardcopy newspaper articles, narrowing down to three potential topics. After much debate, I chose Euthanasia because I found it very interesting. I borrowed some books and briefly read more about it online, which led to this hypothesis, “Voluntaryeuthanasia should be encouraged for people with terminal illnesses and patients in vegetative states.”
Chosen Capability For this research project, I hope to learn about the struggles that both doctors and patients go through together. I also hope to learn about the views of both Australian and international people regarding what they deem as humane or inhumane regarding a doctor’s decision when treating seriously ill patients. For this reason, I plan to choose the communication capability along with the learning capability for this research. I want to find out the communication between doctors and their patients as well as the overall judgement made by the society; this helps me when researching and in future, as I am currently aspiring to be in the science/medical field.
Research Processes I plan to direct this research project towards people of all ages as everyone deserves the right to have their own views towards euthanasia. To do this, I am going to ask and survey a range of people including but not limited to university students, teachers, high school students, parents, patients, refugees and most specifically doctors. I plan to arrange interviews, emails, phone calls and spontaneously asking people. Due to my topic being highly controversial and ethical I will leave information found as anonymous in my research project on request. I shall record the findings via notes, recording devices and will alter the voices of the people requested to be anonymous.
Additionally, to the information I shall gather by communicating with a majority of people, contributing to my communication capability, I also plan on gathering information for my research development from sources such as books, newspaper articles and from the Internet. Thus, I will have around four main sources of information with two or three of the sources being primary sources, giving rise to reliability. I expect this to contribute to my personal development and learning capabilities.
I shall present my research in the form of a 1500-word report, addressing one of the requirements for Research Project B as well as all its other requirements. Following the timeline devised by teachers, constantly checking tasks off, and making Gantt and concept charts are expected to help me meet the required deadline for this semester’s Stage II Research Project.
Word count: 493 Week 4 Tuesday - 22nd February/Friday - 25th February
I have started constructing my concept/mind map, based on the guiding questions and hypothesis I devised in week 2. It is in PDF format with some of the flowcharts hyper linked to the information regarding the flowchart. Concept-Mind Map.pdf
I have completed the 5Whys of my topic.
Why is voluntary euthanasia banned in Australia?
It is not legalised in Australia because the act of assisted death, or to be mercifully killed by a medical specialist to reduce the pain present in some patients is not acceptable to the majority of people in Australia.
Why is is not acceptable by some people in Australia?
People with particular religious views, cultural backgrounds or because of their own intererst/opinions do not believe that people who suffer from pain because of having serious medical conditions wish to seek voluntary euthanasia. Some people believe that it is best to battle it out with the illness and overcome the obstacles since life is very precious.
Why do some patients with serious medical conditions seek voluntary euthanasia?
They experience a lot of pain because of their illnesses or diseases and so seek help to reduce or end their on-going pain.
Why do patients experience such pain?
Patients that are brain dead, in vegetative states or suffering from terminal illnesses will slowly die. They experience pain from their illnesses and in their treatment(s) as well as some patients losing the ability to communicate, to mobilise or being in a continuous dead (but, still alive) state. Consequently, they also experience mental pain.
Why would patients with those medical conditions also experience mental pain?
Some elderly people experience mental pain as they lose their friends, family or people they know and as a consequence they experience such pain. This also applies to patients in vegative states or with terminal illnesses as they are restricted to what they can do and slowly lose their will to live. Week 5 Monday - 28th February/Friday - 4th March
On the Monday lesson, we had a guest speaker, Ms. Woud, explaining how to create and make surveys for our research project online. I have created two accounts on Survey Monkey and Zoomerang, I will test them out soon to see which one will fit me better.
Week 6 Monday - 7th March
I have started to think about the places I am going to interview and who to interview for information much needed for my research project. I am planning to get information (online interview) from medical specialists interstate and possibly people located overseas via email. However, I am more focused on arranging appointments with medical specialists such as doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists within Adelaide and get a one-on-one interview. Additionally, I plan on asking University students that specialise in the science, mathematics and technology are for their thoughts on voluntary euthanasia as well as medical students. As stated in my research proposal, I will also ask teachers and senior students at my school, keeping anonymous recordings on request.
Possible places and people to interview: (will slowly update)
Thursday - 10th March
I watched a SSABSA video outlining the criteria needed to pass the Research Project and the weighting of each component in the subject. I also checked my survey and more people have taken it since last time.
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Friday - 11th March
I have also started preparing for the formal discussion by reading books regarding my topic as well as noting specific articles relevant to my topic for use during the discussion. I have printed out various hard copy of work and pieces of information to show my udnerstanding of the topic. I am also currently writing up a set of interview questions to interview medical specialists with knowledge on euthanasia. I am firstly planning to interview the people of the Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA) organisation.
Recap of topic thus far: Euthanasia: Voluntary Euthanasia should be encouraged for people with terminal illnesses and patients in vegetative states.
What is euthanasia and the types of euthanasia?
How are doctors, family members and friends affected?
Why do patients request voluntary euthanasia?
What are the ethics, legal issues regarding the act of Voluntary Euthanasia?
Why is voluntary euthanasia banned and should it be legalised i.e. given the right to die?
Interview questions for PCNA:(Draft)
What are the main reasons that people want palliative care?
Do you think that all doctors should have a compulsory course in palliative care?
Do you think that doctors or nurses trained in palliative care reduce euthanasia concerns within patients?
Is the communication between patients and their doctors/nurses important?
Under certain circumstances, is it more beneficial to terminally ill patients to request voluntary euthanasia instead of undergoing palliative care? Why?
Death with dignity, how would you explain this in regards to palliative care?
If a patient was in a persistent or permanent vegetative state who is it that makes the decision for the patient?
How would a palliative trained nurse respond to the request of a competent, mentally stable and sensible patient requesting voluntary euthanasia?
Week 7 Tuesday – 15th March/Friday – 18th March
I finalised my research evidence and selected the material for me to present during the 10min formal discussion. I also rehearsed the questions as well as printed off extra sheets to show my understanding of the topic and hypothesis I have chosen.
During this week, a classmate showed a good organisation to interview, South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society. The organisation is a pro-euthanasia group and they are supported by many people. I will try my best to get an interview with one of the doctors associated with SAVES, however, my chances are very slim.
Week 8 Monday – 21st March
I underwent the formal discussion today and received a satisfactory mark. Ms McInnes suggested that I update the journal with the some of the primary sources I received and spoke about during the discussion.
Primary Sources: (Will update as I go) Oddam, Tutor, University student in Engineer and Mechatronics
The information I have gotten from Oddam is that the legalisation of euthanasia, specifically voluntary euthanasia, may induce some changes in doctors. As doctors are granted the power to carry out voluntary euthanasia on a terminally ill patient that has requested it, they are given the power to essentially control life.
Doctors are perceived as medical specialists that do their best to ease and cure sick people. Now they have the power to end a patient’s life. In a sense, doctors would be granted power to control life and death. Some doctors in receiving this power ‘may’ over long periods develop some mental issues as they become to view themselves as god.
Survey #1: Based on the alternate views of Euthanasia
The information from the 19 respondents that took my survey had the following results:
nghi_is_cool1.jpg
nghi_is_cool2.jpg
nghi_is_cool3.jpg
Friday – 25th March
I have emailed the PCNA and DWDV organisations for web-based interviews and I am currently awaiting their replies. I also plan to email the SAVES organisation soon and since it is based in South Australia, I hope to get a one-on-one interview some time during the holidays or early in term 2. Additionally, I also found a group (organisation) of Christians that support Voluntary Euthanasia http://www.christiansforve.org.au/index.html. I may contact them for information if needed.
So far, I haven't started actually writing my research, the 1500 essay, but I feel that I am getting there. I have a lot of sources of information to use ranging from the books I've borrowed to the sites I've mentioned in the previous weeks. Additionally, if I am accepted for the interviews, I will also have more primary sources. Since my topic is on euthanasia and my hypothesis is based on voluntary euthanasia, I have a lot of information that I can access. The only hurdle in my research project is the actual write-up since my topic if controversial and ethical.
Week 9 Monday – 28th March/Thursday - 31st March
From this time period, I have gotten a reply from both PCNA and DWDV organisations. DWDV replied with a recommendation for in emailing the SAVES organisation whilst the PCNA actually referred me to one of the commitee members in SAVES. I have gotten a confirm for the interview and now I am only waiting for a confirmation on my interview question regarding the ethics involved.
Interview Questions for SAVES 1. What are some misconceptions about voluntary euthanasia? 2. Why do people still request voluntary euthanasia despite the fact that palliative care is so effective now? 3. Is the communication between patients and their doctors important? Why/why not? 4. Do you think that the recent euthanasia push is an indicator for the protection of doctors, nurses and ill patients? Why/ why not? 5. Not all people die with dignity in palliative care - why do you think this is so? 6. Under certain circumstances, is it more beneficial for terminally ill patients to request voluntary euthanasia instead of undergoing palliative care? Why/ why not? 7. Do you think that all doctors should have a compulsory course in palliative care in order to be more experienced of helping patients physically and mentally? 8. Should voluntary euthanasia be encouraged for people to consider before they become in a persistent vegetative state? 9. If a patient was in a persistent or permanent vegetative state, who is it that makes the decision for the patient? 10. Is it a burden for nurses to take care of patients in a persistent vegetative state? 11. If euthanasia was legalized, is there a possibility of its misuse and what about the ethical concerns? 12. Do you think it is fair that doctors, who act in the best interest of their patients, by upping the dose of morphine or similar drugs, or other methods be charged in terms of carrying out voluntary euthanasia?
Week 10 Monday – 4th March/Friday - 8th March
This week I conducted the interview with Ann Hirsch of the SAVES organisation and have recorded. I plan to further interview some of my mentors and friends currently in University. I will soon type out the interview to be presented in my folio. Week 11 Monday – 11th March/Friday - 15th March
I have gathered additional material and have interviewed several other people. I have also started referencing my sources and begun writing my draft outcome according to the plans and information present in my outcome plan. Week 12 Monday – 2nd May/Friday - 6th March
I have completed my research outcome and need it proof-read. I also need to finish my harvard in-text referencing.
Week 1
Tuesday - 1st February
I attended the first lesson of the Stage II Research Project this week and was introduced to the new subject. Following the introductions and brief explanations regarding the subject, I made a wikipage in which the teacher will be able to see my journal entries. After that, everyone were given some books and articles based on current and trending issues so that we may select or be inspired by a certain topic for the Research Project. Along with the other students in my class, I was introduced to a function on the Google Search Engine called 'Wonder Wheel'. The Wonder Wheel searches for the information you need, along with branching and other revelant entries to what you've asked Google to find.
Using the Wonder Wheel, I researched about the earth's biosphere, which sparked my interest prior to the start of the year. I came across these results, which I found were very broad and did not sit with what I've briefly studied about the biosphere last year.
Biosphere
biosphere -> ecosystem -> habitat, animals, etc
biosphere -> asthenosphere -> lithosphere -> tectonic plates
biosphere -> lithosphere, asthenosphere -> water cycle
Using my knowledge last year I came up with a similar pathway:
ecological footprint -> decreased biosphere -> causes -> increased use, expansion, agricultural development -> affects on carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle -> lessening of the resources on earth.
Thursday - 4th February
During, the Thursday lesson, my class visited the library and browsed through a series of books and articles in hopes of us finding a potential topic for our Research Project. In that lesson, I found two topics that caught my attention. One being, Euthanasia, which I am completely clueless about. The other is about marriage and divorce of which I have a clearer understanding of. So far I have derived a few areas that I would possibly research about on the topics I have mentioned.
(Draft)
Euthanasia: Voluntary Euthanasia should be encouraged for people with terminal illnesses and patients in vegetative states.
Abortion and Euthanasia: Abortion and Euthanasia should not be encouraged.
Marriage and Divorce: Marriage can be long and lasting.
Week 2Monday - 7th FebruaryThis week I finalised my topic and have decided to do Euthanasia as I have come to take an interest in it. Regarding the work this week, I have to read and annotate 5 articles from EBSCOhost.WHY SAFE LEGALISED VOLUNTARY EUTHANASIA IS A MYTH.http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=900f1805-8e25-4e2d-803d-cdb77b0a05ca%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=57154373I chose this article because it had really good points about a particular view on the use of voluntary euthanasia. Although the article is biased, it does incorporate some significant findings showing that most Australian citizens are pushing the medical industry to accept assisted death (voluntary euthanasia) and to overturn the Commonwealth Parliament's law regarding euthanasia.
Hung pariliament no place to be ham-fisted on euthanasia.
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=de707ff0-3779-4f22-bc35-b8c9bd56b192%40sessionmgr4&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=55606158This article was fascinating as it wrote about the previous law regarding euthanasia in the Northern Territory. Although, it focused upon a senator's paper for the Federal Parliament, I particularly liked how it compared the old law to the new Commonwealth Parliament's law on euthanasia. It gave me an insight regarding the previous law since I have not researched about it.
Legal euthanasia 'could prolong lives'
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=beecf0ca-0003-4ef7-b31b-aaf4e73664d0%40sessionmgr13&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=P6S350063526010
I found this article very interesting as it brings the views of Aboriginal people. It talks about how the reintroduction of the Northern Territory law regarding euthansia could cause a lot of fear amongst the Aboriginal people due to the language barrier. Another interesting part of this article is about how there is an ironic upside to introducing the old laws; the old laws could prolong lives. The article states that people when given the right to die, reinvigorate their will to live.
Thursday - 10th February
Brown continues his fight against euthanasia ban.
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=cdd47533-9938-4d88-8ca2-623c917c18ce%40sessionmgr12&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=P6S262484163610
In this article, it shows the views of several doctors regarding the legalisation of euthanasia. One of the doctors of the South Australian Support for Voluntary Euthanasia expresses his view regarding euthanasia based on his experiences as a doctor treating patients with immense pain and agony. This article made me realise that people do experience pain at different levels and cope with that pain with different levels. Doctors see this in their patients, using their experience, they determine that for some patients it is more beneficial to the patient to seek a merciful death.
Gives us the right to choose: euthanasia support grows
http://web.ebscohost.com/ehost/detail?hid=8&sid=6499fbd8-9768-4d12-b37a-ad2cb4fc3d96%40sessionmgr15&vid=1&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=anh&AN=SYD-5WFW1PKIVCO2W5J6D1J
This article shows that the membership of the voluntary euthanasia advocacy group Exit International has grown by 50%, in the past five years. More people are joining the group in support of legalising euthanasia, memberships increasing from 4000 to 6100 during the period of 2005-2010. It states that advertisements, information handbooks made from the group, regarding euthanasia have been banned in Australia. However, the group states that the ban has led to an increase in members as more people want to have the right to die if they were put in complicated situations. E.g, growing too old, in vegetative states, terminal illnesses, etc.
I finished annotating the 5 articles as seen above and borrowed three books from my school library on request from Ms McInnes. I have started using these books to further gain background information.
Saturday - 12th February
I have made a quick planner for the next upcoming weeks.
- Complete my Research Proposal. [DONE]
- Gather some information:
- Visit my local GP and ask a few questions regarding euthanasia.
- Speak to some people within the medical/science field about their views on euthanasia.
- Speak to my mum's friend in Melbourne, who was a doctor in Vietnam. This allows me to gain views from doctors of a different country.
- Speak to people of different age, culture, background and people with language barriers regarding euthanasia.
- Begin the first few stages of my Research Project. (Finalising/revising my guiding questions and hypothesis).- Begin to answer my guiding questions.
Week 3
Monday - 14th February
On the Monday, Ms McInnes taught us how to evaluate our sources using the CRAP method, 5W's and also how to write the research proposal.
CRAP
C - Credibility
R - Reliability
A - Authority
P - Purpose
5W's
Who
What
Why
When
How
Tuesday - 15th February/Thursday - 17th February
On Tuesday, I was called up and spoke a tad bit about my topic on Euthanasia. Since my topic was a pretty broad topic, Ms McInnes, suggested that I slightly narrow it down to Voluntary Euthanasia since it is more relevant to Australia. Below is a copy of my research proposal.
PRELIMINARY RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Defining and clarifying my topic
Initially, for the Stage II Research Project this semester, I had planned to do a topic on the biosphere since I was very interested in it last year. After doing some research, I found that it was extremely broad and hard to narrow down to a specific area. I then directed my attention towards the current trends in topics based on medicine, science and issues in the society. I researched into these areas, both online and hardcopy newspaper articles, narrowing down to three potential topics. After much debate, I chose Euthanasia because I found it very interesting. I borrowed some books and briefly read more about it online, which led to this hypothesis, “Voluntary euthanasia should be encouraged for people with terminal illnesses and patients in vegetative states.”
Chosen Capability
For this research project, I hope to learn about the struggles that both doctors and patients go through together. I also hope to learn about the views of both Australian and international people regarding what they deem as humane or inhumane regarding a doctor’s decision when treating seriously ill patients. For this reason, I plan to choose the communication capability along with the learning capability for this research. I want to find out the communication between doctors and their patients as well as the overall judgement made by the society; this helps me when researching and in future, as I am currently aspiring to be in the science/medical field.
Research Processes
I plan to direct this research project towards people of all ages as everyone deserves the right to have their own views towards euthanasia. To do this, I am going to ask and survey a range of people including but not limited to university students, teachers, high school students, parents, patients, refugees and most specifically doctors. I plan to arrange interviews, emails, phone calls and spontaneously asking people. Due to my topic being highly controversial and ethical I will leave information found as anonymous in my research project on request. I shall record the findings via notes, recording devices and will alter the voices of the people requested to be anonymous.
Additionally, to the information I shall gather by communicating with a majority of people, contributing to my communication capability, I also plan on gathering information for my research development from sources such as books, newspaper articles and from the Internet. Thus, I will have around four main sources of information with two or three of the sources being primary sources, giving rise to reliability. I expect this to contribute to my personal development and learning capabilities.
I shall present my research in the form of a 1500-word report, addressing one of the requirements for Research Project B as well as all its other requirements. Following the timeline devised by teachers, constantly checking tasks off, and making Gantt and concept charts are expected to help me meet the required deadline for this semester’s Stage II Research Project.
Word count: 493
Week 4
Tuesday - 22nd February/Friday - 25th February
I have started constructing my concept/mind map, based on the guiding questions and hypothesis I devised in week 2. It is in PDF format with some of the flowcharts hyper linked to the information regarding the flowchart.
I have completed the 5Whys of my topic.
Why is voluntary euthanasia banned in Australia?
It is not legalised in Australia because the act of assisted death, or to be mercifully killed by a medical specialist to reduce the pain present in some patients is not acceptable to the majority of people in Australia.
Why is is not acceptable by some people in Australia?
People with particular religious views, cultural backgrounds or because of their own intererst/opinions do not believe that people who suffer from pain because of having serious medical conditions wish to seek voluntary euthanasia. Some people believe that it is best to battle it out with the illness and overcome the obstacles since life is very precious.
Why do some patients with serious medical conditions seek voluntary euthanasia?
They experience a lot of pain because of their illnesses or diseases and so seek help to reduce or end their on-going pain.
Why do patients experience such pain?
Patients that are brain dead, in vegetative states or suffering from terminal illnesses will slowly die. They experience pain from their illnesses and in their treatment(s) as well as some patients losing the ability to communicate, to mobilise or being in a continuous dead (but, still alive) state. Consequently, they also experience mental pain.
Why would patients with those medical conditions also experience mental pain?
Some elderly people experience mental pain as they lose their friends, family or people they know and as a consequence they experience such pain. This also applies to patients in vegative states or with terminal illnesses as they are restricted to what they can do and slowly lose their will to live.
Week 5
Monday - 28th February/Friday - 4th March
On the Monday lesson, we had a guest speaker, Ms. Woud, explaining how to create and make surveys for our research project online. I have created two accounts on Survey Monkey and Zoomerang, I will test them out soon to see which one will fit me better.
I have made my survey. Voluntary Euthanasia Survey
Week 6
Monday - 7th March
I have started to think about the places I am going to interview and who to interview for information much needed for my research project. I am planning to get information (online interview) from medical specialists interstate and possibly people located overseas via email. However, I am more focused on arranging appointments with medical specialists such as doctors, psychiatrists and psychologists within Adelaide and get a one-on-one interview. Additionally, I plan on asking University students that specialise in the science, mathematics and technology are for their thoughts on voluntary euthanasia as well as medical students. As stated in my research proposal, I will also ask teachers and senior students at my school, keeping anonymous recordings on request.
Possible places and people to interview: (will slowly update)
South Australia Voluntary Euthanasia Service (SAVES)
http://www.saves.asn.au/
Dying with Dignity Victoria
http://www.dwdv.org.au
Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA)
http://www.pcna.org.au
Palliative Care Council of South Australia Inc
http://www.pallcare.asn.au/
Life SA
http://www.lifesa.com.au
Exit International (founded by Dr. Philip Nitschke)
http://www.exitinternational.net/
Thursday - 10th March
I watched a SSABSA video outlining the criteria needed to pass the Research Project and the weighting of each component in the subject. I also checked my survey and more people have taken it since last time.
Friday - 11th March
I have also started preparing for the formal discussion by reading books regarding my topic as well as noting specific articles relevant to my topic for use during the discussion. I have printed out various hard copy of work and pieces of information to show my udnerstanding of the topic. I am also currently writing up a set of interview questions to interview medical specialists with knowledge on euthanasia. I am firstly planning to interview the people of the Palliative Care Nurses Australia (PCNA) organisation.
Recap of topic thus far:
Euthanasia: Voluntary Euthanasia should be encouraged for people with terminal illnesses and patients in vegetative states.
Interview questions for PCNA: (Draft)
Week 7
Tuesday – 15th March/Friday – 18th March
I finalised my research evidence and selected the material for me to present during the 10min formal discussion. I also rehearsed the questions as well as printed off extra sheets to show my understanding of the topic and hypothesis I have chosen.
During this week, a classmate showed a good organisation to interview, South Australian Voluntary Euthanasia Society. The organisation is a pro-euthanasia group and they are supported by many people. I will try my best to get an interview with one of the doctors associated with SAVES, however, my chances are very slim.
Week 8
Monday – 21st March
I underwent the formal discussion today and received a satisfactory mark. Ms McInnes suggested that I update the journal with the some of the primary sources I received and spoke about during the discussion.
Primary Sources: (Will update as I go)
Oddam, Tutor, University student in Engineer and Mechatronics
The information I have gotten from Oddam is that the legalisation of euthanasia, specifically voluntary euthanasia, may induce some changes in doctors. As doctors are granted the power to carry out voluntary euthanasia on a terminally ill patient that has requested it, they are given the power to essentially control life.
Doctors are perceived as medical specialists that do their best to ease and cure sick people. Now they have the power to end a patient’s life. In a sense, doctors would be granted power to control life and death. Some doctors in receiving this power ‘may’ over long periods develop some mental issues as they become to view themselves as god.
Survey #1: Based on the alternate views of Euthanasia
The information from the 19 respondents that took my survey had the following results:
Friday – 25th March
I have emailed the PCNA and DWDV organisations for web-based interviews and I am currently awaiting their replies. I also plan to email the SAVES organisation soon and since it is based in South Australia, I hope to get a one-on-one interview some time during the holidays or early in term 2. Additionally, I also found a group (organisation) of Christians that support Voluntary Euthanasia http://www.christiansforve.org.au/index.html. I may contact them for information if needed.
So far, I haven't started actually writing my research, the 1500 essay, but I feel that I am getting there. I have a lot of sources of information to use ranging from the books I've borrowed to the sites I've mentioned in the previous weeks. Additionally, if I am accepted for the interviews, I will also have more primary sources. Since my topic is on euthanasia and my hypothesis is based on voluntary euthanasia, I have a lot of information that I can access. The only hurdle in my research project is the actual write-up since my topic if controversial and ethical.
Let them die in peace
http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/health-minister-john-hill-backs-euthanasia-push/story-e6frea83-1226027417860?referrer=email&source=AN_email_nl&emcmp=AD&emchn=Newsletter&emlist=Member
This is an article that a classmate sent me. It is an article about Dr. Philip Nitschke, euthanasia advocate, and other senators strengthening the push against voluntary euthanasia legislation. I found it very insightful and most likely will use it in my research. There is also an online poll on the article, the results of the poll can be seen below: (yes I also voted)
Week 9
Monday – 28th March/Thursday - 31st March
From this time period, I have gotten a reply from both PCNA and DWDV organisations. DWDV replied with a recommendation for in emailing the SAVES organisation whilst the PCNA actually referred me to one of the commitee members in SAVES. I have gotten a confirm for the interview and now I am only waiting for a confirmation on my interview question regarding the ethics involved.
Interview Questions for SAVES
1. What are some misconceptions about voluntary euthanasia?
2. Why do people still request voluntary euthanasia despite the fact that palliative care is so effective now?
3. Is the communication between patients and their doctors important? Why/why not?
4. Do you think that the recent euthanasia push is an indicator for the protection of doctors, nurses and ill patients? Why/ why not?
5. Not all people die with dignity in palliative care - why do you think this is so?
6. Under certain circumstances, is it more beneficial for terminally ill patients to request voluntary euthanasia instead of undergoing palliative care? Why/ why not?
7. Do you think that all doctors should have a compulsory course in palliative care in order to be more experienced of helping patients physically and mentally?
8. Should voluntary euthanasia be encouraged for people to consider before they become in a persistent vegetative state?
9. If a patient was in a persistent or permanent vegetative state, who is it that makes the decision for the patient?
10. Is it a burden for nurses to take care of patients in a persistent vegetative state?
11. If euthanasia was legalized, is there a possibility of its misuse and what about the ethical concerns?
12. Do you think it is fair that doctors, who act in the best interest of their patients, by upping the dose of morphine or similar drugs, or other methods be charged in terms of carrying out voluntary euthanasia?
Week 10
Monday – 4th March/Friday - 8th March
This week I conducted the interview with Ann Hirsch of the SAVES organisation and have recorded. I plan to further interview some of my mentors and friends currently in University. I will soon type out the interview to be presented in my folio.
Week 11
Monday – 11th March/Friday - 15th March
I have gathered additional material and have interviewed several other people. I have also started referencing my sources and begun writing my draft outcome according to the plans and information present in my outcome plan.
Week 12
Monday – 2nd May/Friday - 6th March
I have completed my research outcome and need it proof-read. I also need to finish my harvard in-text referencing.
Week 13
Week 1